Capillaries Recap

What is the primary function of capillaries?

• To exchange materials between the blood and internal or external environments

• To pump blood throughout the body

• To filter blood cells

• To produce red blood cells

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-3

How do capillaries exchange oxygen and nutrients with respiring cells?

• By using energy from ATP

• Through active transport

• Through direct cell-to-cell contact

• By providing a large surface area-to-volume ratio for diffusion

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NGSS.HS-LS2-3

What is the diameter range of capillaries?

• 1–2 μm

• 5–10 μm

• 25–30 μm

• 15–20 μm

What type of cells compose the wall of a capillary?

• Muscle cells

• Nerve cells

• Endothelial cells

• Epithelial cells

What surrounds the endothelial cells of capillaries?

• Muscle layer

• Basement membrane

• Fibrous tissue

• Adipose tissue

Where are continuous capillaries typically found?

• In the heart only

• In the liver and spleen

• In most tissues including muscle, lung, and skin

• Exclusively in the brain

What is a characteristic feature of fenestrated capillaries?

• They do not allow the exchange of any materials

• They are only found in the heart

• They contain gaps in endothelial cells for rapid exchange

• They have a double layer of endothelial cells

In which organs are fenestrated capillaries NOT typically found?

• Small intestine

• Heart

• Endocrine glands

• Kidneys

What is the role of the basement membrane in capillaries?

• To produce blood cells

• To pump blood

• To provide structural support to the endothelium

• To filter large molecules

How does the structure of capillaries facilitate their function in the small intestine?

• By facilitating the transport of oxygen only

• By allowing the one-way exchange of nutrients into the blood

• By moving blood rapidly to ensure quick distribution

• By preventing any exchange of materials